the tailored nest: diy wall art

Yes I know, it's been quite literally forever since I showed my face around here, but I do have good reasons I promise. You see changes are afoot and I'm trying to get a few things settled before I return to the tailored life and the world of blogging.

Ironically while I still have a ton to post about my whirlwind vacation and all the delightful goodies I brought home, I did somehow manage to find some time to head to Builder's Warehouse last weekend and finish a project that's been in the pipeline for, well, since the beginning really. I finally filled my blank dining room wall...

the tailored traveler

It seems this post never made it onto the blog which sadly would have explained my absence! While most certainly belated I thought why not share what was probably the best travel decision I'd ever made? And so here it is...

In just a few hours I'll be jetting off for my wintery holiday abroad. With a few days in London and even fewer in Paris the husband and I are traveling light - like only carry-on light. Having lost our luggage on our honeymoon in Egypt (our last holiday together) we're taking no chances!

Armed with one carry-on and satchel each I'm keeping things minimal yet chic. What you see above is pretty much what I'll be taking with me in that very Longchamp bag at the bottom! Save for some unmentionables and toiletries, I'll be carrying just 2 ensembles for our weeklong holiday. If it doesn't fit in that bag its not coming!

And if by chance we grow tired of our tailored down attire we'll just head to the shops - it's already sale season there after all!

Until our return Au Revoir and Merry Christmas!

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day 12: mix & match a holiday ensemble

At Christmas I always try to put a little holiday sparkle in my attire - it's really the only time of year you can mix a certain green and red to great affect. But the traditional Christmas colours aren't so summer friendly so I've pulled 3 mix and match looks using 2 vibrant festive hues. I've also added some neutral accessories to keep you from looking like one of Santa's helpers. And the best part? They're all available at Woolies - meaning you'll have just enough time to grab your favourite set while making a last minute grocery dash!

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day 11: rehearse your christmas feast

For many tomorrow's holiday marks the start of their Christmas vacation and what better way to celebrate the year that was then with a dress-rehearsal festive feast! From slow cooked roasts to sauces and sides, everyone knows hosting Christmas lunch isn't for the feint hearted. So why not give some recipes a trial run tonight?

Armed with Good Housekeeping's December issue I'll be attempting a few dishes from their Classic Christmas Feast. They have everything from a classic Gammon to a contemporary twist on serving brussel sprouts. I'm most excited to try their cranberry stuffing balls! As I'll be abroad over the beloved holiday it's also the perfect way to break bread with the loved ones who I'd normally share it with. Besides, who says you can't celebrate more than once!

For a great selection of triple-tested recipes and last minute Christmas decor and gifts, grab a copy of this month's Good Housekeeping! It's also available digitally and in Afrikaans. Happy cooking!

day 10: make it a handmade christmas

Now in my mid-twenties it appears weekend markets are the places to be and be seen. I've written about markets before but I hold a special place in my heart for seasonal fairs - and boy does Christmas have a lot of them! But today I won't be venturing far from my hood as I'll be braving the storm for a little retail therapy at the Designer-Maker Artisan Market in the Freeworld Design Centre.

In addition to handmade goodies there will be delectable eats, live music and a perfectly festive carols by candlelight in the adjacent Evangelical Lutheran Church of which all faiths are welcome to attend.

Entrance is free to both the market (which thankfully has organized a tent to cover the courtyard venue) and is open from 3.30pm - 9pm tonight and 10:30am - 9pm on Thursday and Friday.

For a sneak peek of who's exhibiting click here!

The Freeworld Design Centre is situated at 71 Waterkant Street on the fan walk. Market visitors will be able to access the carols by candlelight through the courtyard.

IMAGE: Source

day 9: eat, drink & be merry

It's that time of year that most will be indulging in some sort of year end function or another. But for the self-employed a year end function seems a little silly. So instead of taking my lonely self out for a drink I decided a little cocktail party was in order! Last year I did just that and hosted my nearest and dearest at my Woodstock abode...

day 8: take a fairy-lit drive

On December 4th the masses made their way down to Adderley Street for Cape Town's annual switching on of the Adderley Street lights. While I opted to skip the crowds on the opening night I will most definitely be taking a fairy-lit walk down there this week!

But if you're not based downtown why not seek out the festively adorned homes in a suburb near you! My sources tell me there are a few brightly decorated homes in Edgemead, Bothasig, Bergvliet, Pinelands and Plumstead. If you have any famously decorated neighborhoods in your area let me know - I'd like to take a little drive-by!

Just pop in a festive album (perhaps from my post last week) and take in the sparkle - free of charge!

IMAGE: Source